Mercedes-Benz 190B Ponton Saloon

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The 180 and 190 models of 1953 and 1956 were tremendously important cars for Mercedes, restoring it as a viable manufacturer of motor cars which not only provided post-war Germans with high quality, reliable transport, but also gave the country international respect thanks to the enthusiasm which greeted the cars on the highly profitable export market.

The new model shrugged off the pre-war, separate fender/mud guard look for something altogether more modern. It incorporated the wheel arches into new smooth and rounded wings, while the sturdy monocoque body was the first car to incorporate the idea of a ‘safety cell’. The progressive suspension was independent all round, featuring double wishbones up front and low-pivot swing axles at the rear. All models used the same steering column-mounted, four-speed manual gear change.

The basic 180 model used a four-cylinder side-valve engine, but the 190, while using the 180’s body, incorporated the overhead cam 80bhp 1897cc engine from the glamorous 190SL roadster, albeit with a single Solex carburettor, rather than the pair found in the SL.

In 1959 the 190B was introduced, using a modified subframe for the front suspension. The range grew to include saloons, coupes and convertibles, equipped with four or six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. By the time production ceased in 1962, over half-a-million had been sold, many seeing service as taxis thanks to their famous robustness.

This particular 190B has a well-documented history and has been one family owned from new. The vendor’s father bought the car from Mercedes’ Stuttgart factory in May 1960, touring it around Europe before having it flown back to England. Soon afterwards it was shipped off to Nigeria where it lived with the family for just over a year before returning to the UK. It has lived in the South West region ever since.

Every aspect of its life, from shipping to servicing is thoroughly documented in the large history file that accompanies the vehicle. Some of the records are in German (with some translations) and many are hand-written by its engineer owner who latterly carried out much of the maintenance himself. Together they provide a fascinating insight not just into the life of a car, but into social and automotive history.

Since the Mercedes passed into the vendor’s ownership in 2006, some £6,000 has been spent to keep it in fine mechanical fettle – not being so spanner-handy as dad, son has had to pay for maintenance. The cosmetics have been of secondary importance and while the interior and the brightwork have survived their 54 years admirably, the paintwork is distinctly tired in places. A good respray would transform the car. The seats have been protected from new by covers and are still almost factory fresh.

Recently issued with a fresh MOT and tax, this much-loved saloon has covered some 148,000 miles to date and is still running and driving well. It now needs a caring second owner who can treat it to the cosmetic TLC it so richly deserves.